Trap-net.



No. 699,045. Patented Apr. 29, I902. J. C. TURNIPSEED.

TRAP NET.

- (Application filed Feb. 19, 1902.)

(No Model.)

Attorney.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JESSE O. TURNIPSEED, OF HAMPTON, GEORGIA.

TRAP-NET.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters'Patent No. 699,041, dated April 29, 1902. Application filed February 19, 1902. Serial-No. 94,802. (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, J ESSE O. TURNIPSEED,

a citizen of the United States, residing at Hampton, in the county of Henry and State of Georgia, have invented certain new and useas will enable others skilled in the art towhich it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in fish-nets, and more particularly to that class of nets which are known as trap-nets and are designed for snaring fish and other water game.

The invention has for its object the provision of a cheaply-constructed, efficient, and thoroughly-reliable net or fish-trap constructed entirelyof wire without employing framework of any kind.

The invention has for a further object the provision, in connection with fish traps or nets of this general character or type, of an improved form of gate or nozzle through which ready ingress to the trap is provided and which will after the entrance of the fish be automatically closed.

'To these ends and tosuch others as the invention may pertain the same consists in the peculiar construction of the trap and in the.

The invention is clearly illustrated-in the accompanying drawings, which, with the letters of reference marked thereon, form a part of this specification, and in which drawings- Figure 1 is a side view of a single trap embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a like view of a double trap, and Fig. 3 is an enlarged detail in perspective showing one of the gates or nozzles. Fig. 4: is an enlarged detail View of one of the meshes of the net.

Reference now being had to the details of the drawings by letter, Adesignates the outer wall of the netor trap, which is made of wire, which is preferably galvanized. It will be noted that the form of the body portion of the trap is elliptical in cross-section, this form being selected in order to insurestrength and rigidity without the use'of hoops or framework such as has heretofore been usedin the construction of trap-nets of this general type,

and it will also benoted that the entrance ormouth 13 of the trapis made bell-shaped or flaring outwardly, this form of entrance serving both to increase the strength and rigidityof the structure and also to facilitate the entrance of fish to the trap. I

The trap is provided with pringles C C, which are designed to permit of the ready ingress but effectually prevent the egress from the trap. These pringles O are each constructed of galvanized wire, each, as is the case with the body portion of the trap, being composed of wire-gauze bent into the required form and, like the body-portion of the trap, is elliptical in cross-section.

In forming 'the pringle O the wire cloth or netting is formed into the elliptical and conical shape, and the small or inner end is left open, as shown in.Fig. 3' of the drawings. The form of the pringle is such as to cause the opening at the smaller end of the structure to be normally held closed, or substantially, so by the elasticity of the wire and yet will readily yield to admit the fish to the trap..

In the double trap double nozzles or pringles are employed, the first being longer or largerthan the inner or second in order that the fish may enter easily and be partly caged witho'ut experiencing any diffi'culty in entermg.

"In'putting the trap together I preferably lace it with copper wire in order that the trap may without injury be allowed to remain for -an indefinite length of time in the water.

The fish are removed from the trap by unlacing the end of the body portion, as will be readily understood.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim to be new,fand desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. Atrap-net for fish, the same consistingof a body portion of wire-netting, bent to form a body portion elliptical in cross-section and having a flaring or bell-shaped entrance, in combination with one or morepringles, within the body portion,'substantially as described and for the purpose specified.

2. A trap-net consisting of a body portion mally held closed by the tension of the wire, 10 of wire-netting devoid of hoops, frames or substantially as described. v other strengthening, devices, the said body In testimony whereof I aflix my signature portion being elliptical in cross-section and in presence of two witnesses.

having a flaring or bell-shaped entrance, in combination with one or more pringles lnade JESSE TURNIPSEED' of wire-netting, said pringles being secured Vitnesses:

within the body portion and having at their A. R. MARTIN,

contracted inner ends nozzles or passages nor- J. WV. STEPHENS. 

